Ripple Expands Into Crypto Custody with “Ripple Custody” Trademark Filing

Ripple Labs has taken a significant step toward expanding its crypto infrastructure by filing a trademark application for “Ripple Custody.” The move signals the company’s ambitions to enter the crypto custody space, aligning itself with major financial institutions offering secure storage solutions for digital assets. Additionally, the trademark filing hints at the potential launch of a Ripple wallet, reinforcing its broader strategy to enhance digital asset management.

Ripple’s Move Into Crypto Custody

The trademark application, filed on February 25, outlines four key areas of service, with a strong emphasis on custodial services. Specifically, the filing describes “custodial services in the nature of maintaining storage and possession of cryptocurrency […] for financial management purposes.”

The crypto custody industry has gained significant traction following the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States in 2024. Established financial institutions such as Coinbase, Citi, and BNY Mellon have already developed strong custody solutions, ensuring secure storage and regulatory compliance for institutions and individual investors. Ripple’s trademark filing suggests that it aims to compete in this rapidly evolving sector, reinforcing its role beyond payments and remittances.

Potential XRP Wallet Launch?

In addition to its custody ambitions, Ripple’s trademark filing also mentions downloadable software designed for cryptocurrency, fiat currency, virtual currency, and digital currency custody. The filing further describes software for “transmission and storage” of these assets, suggesting that Ripple may be developing a proprietary digital wallet.

Such a move would align with the company’s broader vision of streamlining the management of XRP and other digital assets. A dedicated Ripple wallet could enhance user engagement and introduce new revenue streams through transaction fees, further strengthening the company’s ecosystem.

Ripple’s Custody Expansion Strategy

Ripple first entered the custody market in October 2024, signaling its commitment to diversifying its business model beyond payments. The new trademark filing appears to be an extension of that initiative, reinforcing its long-term strategy of offering institutional-grade digital asset storage solutions.

According to Justia Trademarks, the application falls under multiple international classifications, including financial affairs (Class 036), telecommunications (Class 038), and software development (Class 042)—a clear indication of Ripple’s multi-faceted approach to integrating custody, communications, and financial services into its ecosystem.

While Ripple has yet to confirm any official wallet launch, the trademark application suggests a significant expansion of its digital asset management infrastructure.

Regulatory Challenges and Settlement Talks with the SEC

Ripple’s growing presence in the crypto custody space comes at a time when its long-standing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly nearing resolution. The lawsuit, which began in December 2020, accused Ripple of conducting unregistered securities sales through XRP.

In July 2023, a landmark ruling determined that XRP itself is not inherently a security, particularly in secondary market transactions. However, Ripple was still held accountable for institutional sales that were deemed to have violated securities laws.

Recent reports suggest that Ripple is in discussions for a more favorable settlement than the $125 million fine imposed in 2023. The ongoing negotiations could set a legal precedent for future digital asset regulations, potentially opening the door for further innovation in the sector.

What’s Next for Ripple?

With its latest trademark filing, Ripple appears to be positioning itself as a key player in digital asset custody and management. If the company successfully launches a crypto wallet and strengthens its custody services, it could further solidify its role in institutional crypto adoption.

Additionally, as regulatory discussions evolve, the outcome of Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC will likely play a critical role in shaping how the company moves forward with its new initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• Ripple has filed a trademark for “Ripple Custody,” signaling its expansion into the crypto custody space.
• The trademark application hints at a potential Ripple wallet designed for XRP and other digital assets.
• Crypto custody services have become increasingly relevant following the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in 2024.
• Ripple’s move aligns with its strategy to diversify beyond payments and into institutional crypto management.
• The SEC lawsuit against Ripple is reportedly nearing a settlement, potentially easing regulatory challenges for its custody expansion.

Ripple’s continued innovation in the crypto space could strengthen its position as a leader in blockchain-based financial services. If regulatory clarity improves, Ripple Custody could mark the beginning of a new era for XRP and institutional digital asset management.